NATIONAL SMILE DAY
On May 31st, National Smile Day encourages everyone to wear their best smile! The first recorded smile on record took place on 126 B.C. Okay, we made that up. But did you smile? Joking aside, we generate a smile when funny things happen or find pleasure in the things we do. Someone we love or enjoy spending time with may be the cause of a grin or beaming look of joy. More to know...
NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DAY
Observe the future on May 31st with National Autonomous Vehicle Day and experience the realization of science and technology merging like never before. Discover more...
NATIONAL SAVE YOUR HEARING DAY
Each May 31st, National Save Your Hearing Day recognizes the importance of preserving our hearing. It is important to take some time to learn ways to protect your hearing and that of your family. Our hearing is vital, and there are ways that hearing loss can be avoidable. Read more...
NATIONAL SPEAK IN COMPLETE SENTENCES DAY
National Speak in Complete Sentences Day is observed annually on May 31st. This day is dedicated to using proper sentence structure while speaking. Learn more...
NECROTIZING FASCIITIS AWARENESS DAY
On May 31st, Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day shines a light on this rare disease, which affects the soft tissues of the skin, and if not appropriately treated, can spread quickly. Read more...
NATIONAL UTAH DAY
On May 31st, we celebrate The Beehive State on National Utah Day! Utah became the 45th state on January 4, 1896, and is home to The Great Salt Lake, a deeply rooted Native American heritage, and a far-reaching desert history. More to know...
NATIONAL MACAROON DAY
Each year on May 31st, National Macaroon Day celebrates the small coconut cookie that is full of flavor and variety, too. Do not mistake these with the delicate sandwich cookies called macarons. No, these small, but substantial cookies hold their own despite the sometimes mistaken identity. For coconut lovers, this day summons up a little bit of bliss. Read more...
Coming on June 1, 2025
National Days
NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVOR'S DAY
NATIONAL GAME SHOW DAY
NATIONAL NAIL POLISH DAY
NATIONAL OLIVE DAY
NATIONAL SAY SOMETHING NICE DAY
NATIONAL GO BAREFOOT DAY
NATIONAL HEIMLICH MANEUVER DAY
NATIONAL PEN PAL DAY
NATIONAL HAZELNUT CAKE DAY
May 31st Celebrated History
1907
The first New York Taxicab Company cabs arrive in New York City. Owner Harry N. Allen imported 65 of the red and green cars from France. However, they weren't the first taxicabs to operate in the United States. In 1897, Samuel's Electric Carriage and Wagon Company launched in New York City. The company's electric vehicles grew to 100 by 1889 with a new name - Electric Vehicle Company. By the turn of the century, they operated 1,000 cabs. After fire destroyed almost a third of its cabs and financial crisis struck the country in 1907, Electric Vehicle Company shuttered its doors.
1911
The Titanic launches from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
1962
The State of Israel hangs World War II official Adolf Eichmann for his role in the Holocaust.
1971
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May for the first time. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act giving the country five federal three-day weekends a year. The other four holidays include Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day), Labor Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day.
2005
In a Vanity Fair article, John D. O'Connor reveals the name of Deep Throat. FBI official Mark Felt confided in O'Connor, family friend and attorney, in 2002.
May 31st Celebrated Birthdays
Walt Whitman - 1819
The transcendentalist and prolific poet, Walt Whitman began his career as a printer and journalist. Author of Leaves of Grass, he published the volume of poems himself.
Chien-Shiung Wu - 1912
In 1936, the Chinese physicist emigrated to the United States. She would become instrumental to the Manhattan Project through her pioneering contributions to particle physics.
Clint Eastwood - 1930
"Go ahead, make my day." Harry Callahan (AKA Dirty Harry) in Sudden Impact
Clint Eastwood is equally recognized for his acting, directing, and producing abilities. His credits include a long list of award nominations and wins, including Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, and American Sniper.
Joe Namath - 1943
The American quarterback played professional football for 13 seasons. In 1969, Namath helped secure a Super Bowl win for the New York Jets.
